Bacillary Dysenteryaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Diarrhea and Dysentery
Parent symptom: Dysentery
Sub-symptom(s): Chronic Bacillary Dysentery
What is Bacillary Dysentery?
Bacillary dysentery, commonly known as bacterial dysentery, is an infectious gastrointestinal condition caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella. The hallmark of this illness is severe inflammation of the intestine, leading to abdominal cramps, fever, and intense bouts of diarrhea often containing blood and mucus. It’s a public health concern, especially in conditions where sanitation and hygiene are compromised, and can spread rapidly through contaminated food or water, requiring prompt medical intervention.
How does TCM view Bacillary Dysentery?
In the eyes of Traditional Chinese Medicine, bacillary dysentery is seen not merely as an infection but as an imbalance within the body’s natural harmony. The symptoms that manifest are expressions of internal patterns of disharmony, such as excessive Heat or Dampness. TCM’s diagnosis revolves around understanding these patterns to tailor a precise treatment plan. By identifying the correct pattern, practitioners can use specific herbs and formulas to address the root cause and restore equilibrium, following the belief that the body’s Qi, or vital energy, must be balanced for health.
Causes of Bacillary Dysentery According to TCM
TCM attributes the causes of bacillary dysentery to various internal disharmonies, but typically involves an invasion of Heat or Damp-Heat in the body. Heat, from a TCM perspective, can agitate the body’s internal environment, particularly in the digestive system, resulting in symptoms like fever, thirst, and bloody diarrhea.
Damp-Heat pertains to a combination of moisture and warmth that can accumulate in the Large Intestine, leading to inflammation and the characteristic mucus in stools. Understanding these patterns is essential, as TCM seeks to cool the Heat and drain the Dampness, addressing both symptoms and their underlying causes holistically.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Bacillary Dysentery
To treat bacillary dysentery, TCM prescribes formulas that specifically address the body's internal Heat and Dampness. Ge Gen Tang is often recommended for its properties that can expel Wind-Cold and alleviate symptoms by harmonizing the Stomach and Intestines.
For deeper Heat affecting the organs, Huang Qin Tang might be used to clear Heat from the Lessor Yang pattern. Each formula is selected based on the individual’s TCM diagnosis, reflecting the traditional approach that focuses on the person’s unique energetic landscape, using herbs to help restore balance and promote recovery.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address bacillary dysentery, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
- Formulas that warm and purge
- Formulas that expel parasites
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ge Gen Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for bacillary dysentery
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ge Gen Tang | Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) |
| Xiao Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) |
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and resolve Exterior
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas when there's an interaction of external summer heat with the body's surface, requiring remedies that clear heat and release the exterior.
One such formula is Xiang Ru San, with vietnamese balm as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior" recommended for bacillary dysentery
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Xiang Ru San | Vietnamese Balm (Xiang Ru) |
| Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin | Vietnamese Balm (Xiang Ru) |
Formulas that vent membrane source
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Huang Qin Tang, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness if it results from heat combined with damp conditions in the body.
One such formula is San Ren Tang, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Wu Zhu Yu Tang, with evodia fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Wan Dai Tang, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and purge
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is Wen Pi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that expel parasites
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by parasitic infections, requiring anti-parasitic herbs to eliminate the parasites.
One such formula is Wu Mei Wan, with chinese plum as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Bacillary Dysentery
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address bacillary dysentery, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for bacillary dysentery
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
| Vietnamese Balm (Xiang Ru) | Xiang Ru San | Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin |
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like Ge Gen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for bacillary dysentery
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) | Ge Gen Tang | Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang |
| Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like Wu Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for bacillary dysentery
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) | Wu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Wen Pi Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like Wan Dai Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for bacillary dysentery
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Wan Dai Tang |
| Yam (Shan Yao) | Wan Dai Tang |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like Huang Qin Tang.
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like San Ren Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Cardamon Fruits (Bai Dou Kou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like San Ren Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like San Ren Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Bacillary dysentery can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Chinese Plums (Wu Mei), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bacillary dysentery, like Wu Mei Wan.